Recently, students from Malaviya National Institute of Technology (MNIT), Jaipur, expressed concerns about the IRCTC website, leading the ministry to promise a revamped version by July 15.
Students assess beta version prior to launch
In the final testing phase, officials from IRCTC and the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS) showcased the beta version of the website to MNIT students. They were invited to evaluate the platform and provide feedback ahead of its official launch.
“A few weeks ago, students at MNIT, Jaipur highlighted issues with the IRCTC website. We assured them it would be upgraded by July 15,” the Ministry of Railways stated on July 10.
The Railways noted that the portal is being integrated with the upgraded Passenger Reservation System, which is also receiving substantial enhancements.
Officials indicated that the full version of the new IRCTC website will be accessible once the modernized reservation engine is completely implemented in the upcoming months.
Four key enhancements in the new IRCTC website
The beta version introduces multiple features aimed at enhancing the ticket booking experience.
Simplified Login Process: The revamped website eliminates unnecessary captchas, pop-ups, and other distracting elements for a smoother login.
All-Class Seat Availability: Users can now conveniently check seat availability across all travel classes while searching for trains.
Quicker Ticket Booking: The booking procedure has been streamlined by minimizing the steps required to finalize a reservation, enabling faster ticket purchases.
Streamlined Repeat Bookings: The portal will permit users to save traveler information, expediting future bookings by removing the need to re-enter details.
Major overhaul of reservation system
The new website is part of a broader initiative by Indian Railways to modernize its nearly 40-year-old Passenger Reservation System. “This necessitated extensive efforts, as the system had to remain operational during the upgrade process. We will introduce the new Passenger Reservation engine very soon,” it mentioned.
Since its introduction in 2002, online ticket booking now comprises nearly 88% of the total train reservations in the country.
